Novel Self-Inflating Fall Protection Pad

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises a novel self inflating, collapsible fall protection pad generally consisting of a single folding unit that utilizes the internal structure of the device in concert with air pressure to provide fall injury protection via a cushioning action. The internal structure of the device may create the self-inflation properties as well as assist in providing support during use. This structure may be comprised of layers of foam, laminated fabrics and a reinforcing yet flexible structure such as that provided by viscoelastic polymers. An air seal may also assist in providing cushion and a supportive structure by limiting air flow. While not in use, the system may fold or compress into a compact form that is easy to transport.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of gymnastics, rock climbing, parkour and other activities where a portable fall pad is required for participant safety. More particularly, the invention relates to a self-inflating fall protection pad and its method of operation.

BACKGROUND

In the world of rock climbing and gymnastics, there are a set number of portable fall prevention technologies. Unfortunately, all of the current methods of fall injury prevention, namely bouldering mats otherwise referred to as crash pads, are bulky and not conducive to easy travel, often requiring expensive shipping and handling, or rental at a travel destination. Often, this travel limitation can result in limited use of fall injury protection and increased risk of injury.

An example of a portable fall injury prevention pad can be seen in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/199,098 filed on Aug. 11, 2011 by Young Chu which describes a structure and method capable of preventing fall injury by filling a structure with pelletized and shredded foam. This structure and method requires the entire fall mat structure to be filled with impact absorbing material. As a large pad is commonly 30″×48″ during transport, this results in a bulky, inefficient and difficult to transport unit.

Due to a large transport size, often the climber or gymnast will utilize a truck or other large vehicle to transport fall injury protection to the climbing site, or rent locally. While traveling alone or with a small group, the capacity to provide sufficeint fall injury protection can be limited by a number of factors including but not limited to: vehicle size and carrying capacity, climber budget, climber carrying capacity including daily needs such as food and water.

While all portable fall injury prevention mats do fold and provide straps to easy carrying during transport, they are limited by an inability to compact them beyond 50% width or length. This results in a large, cumbersome unit that in addition to the need to transport, food, water and other activity requirements can impair the ability to travel safely over rough terrain.

Therefore a need exists for a highly compact-able fall injury prevention pad that provides ease of transport and limits the space required to store while not in use. In order to ease transport further, this device need include a structure to allow hands-free transportation.

An example of a self inflating mat can be seen in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/519,039 filed on Jun. 22, 2002 by Hartmut Ortlieb which describes a mat structure and method capable of self-inflating and manually compressing. This structure and method requires the entire mat structure to be comprised of open cell foam and sealed between layers of a thermoplastic material in order to halt the passage of air and provide constant support or vacuum depending upon intended use. As a fully sealed pad will create immense air pressure upon the impact of a falling body, this method and structure is likely to see seam failure if applied to a self-inflating fall injury prevention pad. Additionally, such a design cannot release sufficient air upon the impact of a falling body, except upon seam failure, and therefore will lead to increased impact injury and the bouncing of a body off the mat itself.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a novel self-inflating, collapsible fall protection pad generally consisting of a single folding unit that utilizes the internal structure of the device in concert with air pressure to provide fall injury protection via a cushioning action. The internal structure of the device may create the self-inflation properties as well as assist in providing support during use. This structure may be comprised of layers of foam, laminated fabrics and a reinforcing yet flexible structure such as that provided by a matrix of viscoelastic polymers. Air movement limiting seals may also assist in providing cushion and a supportive structure controlling the outflow of air when an impact occurs. While not in use, the system may fold or compress into a compact form that is easy to transport.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1—FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of the ‘in use’ state of the self-inflating fall injury prevention mat according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2—FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the ‘compact’ state of the self-inflating fall injury prevention mat according to various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

New fall injury prevention pad systems and techniques are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention maybe practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 depicts an example of a fall injury prevention pad according to various embodiments of the present invention. The fall injury prevention pad 1 may utilize a collapsible inner structure 4 in concert with laminated fabric or material 3 (shown in FIG. 1) and in preferred embodiments can be compressed for storage. In other embodiments, the fall injury prevention pad 1 may comprise of hollowed foam or other soft material tubing 2. In some further embodiments, the fall injury prevention pad 1 may utilize a combination of hollowed foam or other material 2 and flexible internal structure 4.

The fall injury prevention pad 1 may be configured with one or more release value elements mounted in the landing surface 7 and air release valves mounted in the side of the unit 6. The fall injury prevention pad 1 may be configured to have one or more release valve elements mounted in the landing surface 7 or air release valves mounted in the side of the unit 6 and not the other.

When an impact or fall occurs, the fall injury prevention pad 1 may expel interior air in a controlled manner through both release valve elements mounted in the landing surface 7 and air release valves mounted in the side of the unit 6. This release will be utilized to reduce impact pressure internally and eliminate bounce from the impacting body.

The fall injury prevention pad 1 may gain its structure and support from the internal framework and/or structure and not sealed air pressure. Instead, air pressure will be released during falls and allowed to be drawn in through release valve elements mounted in the landing surface 7 and air release valves mounted in the side of the unit 6 while the fall injury prevention pad 1 is not under load.

The fall injury prevention pad 1 may be configured with exterior fabric such as canvas or other material 5.

While not in use, the fall injury prevention pad may be compressed. FIG. 2 depicts this state.

The fall injury prevention pad 1 may be compressed, folded or compacted and secured with the use of straps 8. In addition air valves 6 may be utilized to release internal air prior to storage. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-inflating collapsible fall injury prevention pad with an internal structure that provides self inflating properties, while through a combination of air movement limitation and internal materials provides fall injury prevention while allowing the compact transport of the device.
 2. A fall prevention pad that compacts to 30% or less of its ‘in use’ size. 